The Devon Girls produced a superb display of matchplay golf to defeat the Devon Boys’ Elite Squad in a highly competitive fixture at Woodbury Park Golf Club on Sunday, 31st May.
The match provided an excellent opportunity for team managers Hannah Stevens (Girls) and Mark Sangster (Boys) to assess potential partnerships on a championship length course ahead of a busy season. It also offered the Girls valuable championship-level preparation as they build towards the South West Girls’ Inter-Counties’ Championships at Bristol & Clifton Golf Club in August.
To create a level playing field, both teams competed from the yellow tees with handicaps adjusted accordingly. All six matches were played over the full 18 holes, with the overall result determined by the aggregate number of holes won across the matches.
Match 1 – Jack Thorpe (Woodbury Park) & Brook-Tyler Mitchelmore (Stover) vs Susie Carr (Teignmouth) & Mia Johnstone Davies (Stover)
The opening encounter featured some outstanding golf from both sides. Despite the boys combining for a level-par betterball score, they were unable to match the relentless performance of Susie and Mia who secured a commanding seven-hole victory.
Match 2 – Joe Aldous (Staddon Heights) & Luke Moulder (Staddon Heights) vs Belle Tarr (Churston) & Gabriella Whiteway (Okehampton)
One of the closest contests of the day saw Joe and Luke locked in a thrilling battle with Belle and Gabriella. The match was all square on the 17th green when Luke holed a birdie putt that looked set to edge the boys ahead. However, Belle responded immediately with a birdie of her own while receiving a shot, giving the girls a one-hole advantage heading to the final tee. A halved 18th hole sealed a hard-fought 1-up victory for Belle and Gabriella.
Match 3 – Mason Seward (Yelverton) & Zach Parker (Yelverton) vs Isla Schofield (Woodbury Park) & Sothea Kasparis (Torquay)
The Yelverton pairing of Mason and Zach faced Woodbury Park’s Junior Captain Isla and Sothea in another high-quality encounter. Neither side deserved to lose after producing excellent golf throughout, and the match fittingly finished all square after 18 holes.
Match 4 – Jake Servan-Smalley (Dartmouth) & Gabe Gillingwater (Dainton Park) vs Georgia Denega (Churston) & Emily Goddard (Royal North Devon)
Jake and Gabe battled hard against Georgia and Emily. At one point they had 5 birdies between them and were still 3 down. The girls maintained their strong form and secured a 2-up victory, extending the Devon Girls’ overall advantage.
Match 5 – Josh Lane (Honiton) & Harry Lee (Churston) vs Tommasina Miali (Saunton) & Martha Massingham (Thurlestone)
Perhaps the most remarkable match of the day featured exceptional scoring from both sides. Josh and Harry recorded five birdies between them at one stage but still found themselves three holes behind. The defining moment came on the par-5 14th, where both boys reached the green in two and faced eagle opportunities from 10 and 12 feet. However, Martha had already carded a birdie net eagle, meaning the boys could only halve the hole if they converted. Both eagle attempts narrowly missed, and the girls stretched their lead further. Tommasina and Martha ultimately completed a dominant 7-up victory despite the boys posting a better-ball score close to four under par.
Match 6 – Felix Neil (Tiverton) & Oscar Corby-Brown (Dainton Park) vs Freya Goddard (Royal North Devon) & Olivia Ellicott (Royal North Devon)
The final match saw Devon Boys’ newcomers Felix Neil and Oscar Corby-Brown take on Freya Goddard and Olivia Ellicott. After a nervous start, the boys fell behind early but showed great resilience to fight their way back into the match. Consistent play over the closing holes saw Felix and Oscar secure a 1-up victory, providing the Boys’ only match win of the day.
The fixture was played in excellent spirit throughout and showcased the tremendous strength of junior golf across Devon. Outstanding performances across the board saw the Devon Girls emerge as deserved winners, claiming overall victory by an aggregate margin of 16 holes.
With both teams producing golf of an exceptionally high standard, the match proved invaluable preparation for the challenges ahead later this season.
